Pump Types and Applications
Pumps are used to add energy to fluids (gases, liquids, or slurries) in order to produce flow or increase pressure. They can perform many different functions, including moving a fluid from one location to another, recirculating a fluid in a closed system, such as in a heating or cooling system, and providing pressure, such as in hydraulic systems. These functions are performed primarily by two different types of pumps: centrifugal and positive displacement. This module describes the most common types of pumps and their applications.
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Learning Objectives
• List the functions of pumps • Identify and describe common centrifugal pump classifications and designations • List three common centrifugal pump impeller designs • Define the terms “overhung,” “close coupled,” and “axially split” • Identify and describe common applications for centrifugal pumps • List common positive displacement pump designs • Identify and describe common applications of positive displacement pumps • Explain why relief valves are required on the discharge lines of positive displacement pumps
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English, Portuguese, Polish |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What is a pump?
A pump is used to add energy to fluids, including gases, liquids, and slurries, to produce flow or increase pressure.
What are some common uses for pumps?
Moving a fluid from one location to another; circulating a fluid in a closed system; providing pressure, such as in a hydraulic system.
What are some common ways to classify the flow of a centrifugal pump?
Radial flow, mixed flow, and axial flow are a few common types.
What pumping applications are positive displacement pumps well-suited for?
High viscosity fluids, variable viscosity fluids, high pressures (especially with low flows), shear sensitive fluids, suction lift, and constant flow.
What are common rotary positive displacement pump designs?
Gear, piston, vane, lobe, screw, progressive cavity, and peristaltic.
What are common linear positive displacement pump designs?
Diaphragm, air, or mechanically operated; bellows; and piston (single or double acting).
Sample Video Transcript
Centrifugal pump impellers can be open, semi-open, or closed. In general, closed impellers tend to be more efficient and experience lower axial thrust, while open impellers are a better choice for solids and abrasives containing fluids. One major difference between the different impeller designs is the design of the leakage joint. The leakage joint minimizes leakage from the discharge side to the suction side of the impeller. Some joints can be reset in the field multiple times to account for wear, while others require the pump to be taken out of service to replace wear rings.
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